After a month-long strike, teachers have returned to their classrooms across the country today, as confirmed by Education Minister Priya Manickchand. Samuel Gillis spoke with parents and guardians this morning as children resumed their schooling.
Following a court-ordered mediation process, which brought an end to the strike, the Ministry of Education and the teachers’ union are set to meet again tomorrow, March 7.
In interviews with parents and guardians, there was a sense of relief and happiness that their children were returning to school.
For many, this development is especially welcomed as their children are preparing for exams.
Christina Vickerie, a guardian of a school child, expressed her happiness, stating, ““I am happy that school is open cause my God son is very eager to turn out to school you know it hamper them when they are home because they just addicted to the games and so and that would cause them to drop in grade.”
Linda, another guardian, highlighted the upcoming exams, saying, “CXC coming up an common entrance and so I guess all the parents them are so happy because they have to leave them children with this person that person and they have to pay extra money for people to baby sit.”
Marvin, a grandfather, echoed similar sentiments, “I glad that school open because I dose get a lot of grandchildren to carry to school, when them deh home they does give you more worries you does got to spending more money, more eating.”
The meeting between the Ministry of Education and the teachers’ union on Monday lasted over seven hours and was mediated by Senior Counsel Edward Lukhoo and attorney-at-law Robin Stoby.
This process was ordered by high court judge, Justice Sandil Kissoon, emphasizing the importance of the public good and educating the children of the country.
Chief Education Officer Saddam Hussein informed NCN news that the first meeting between the Ministry and the union is scheduled for 10:30 tomorrow, March 7, at the education ministry at 26 Brickdam.
The agenda will include addressing matters of concern to both parties.
This return to classrooms marks a significant step forward in ensuring the continuity of education for students and addressing the concerns of teachers, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and dialogue in resolving disputes in the education sector.